North Carolina, not a state you hear a lot about when it comes to fly fishing, or at least it’s a state that wasn’t on my “fish list” until recently. I even lived there for four years and had no idea what it had to offer. Four years ago, I went down to fish for False Albacore with my friend and guide Jeff Coen, conditions weren’t amazing, but I managed to catch two and it left me wanting more!
I have returned every fall since my first time, and I have never been disappointed. They say the coast of North Carolina is the best Albie fishing in the world, with bait of all sizes congregating up and down the coast. Bay Anchovies, Silversides, Snot Bait, and Glass minnows navigate the coast in masses and with that the Albies follow them!
Besides the Albies, if you know where to look you can get into all kinds of other game fish, two of my favorites being bull reds and amberjacks. You might have to get a little creative with the flies and the techniques in the open ocean but hooking into one of them makes it all worth it.
If you have the means, you can also head into the skinny water and look for sea trout and reds in the marshes and flats.
Spend some time down there, and it will be on your list for years to come!
